Cranial osteopathy is a form of osteopathic therapy. The technique involves gently applying pressure along the head and spine with the purpose of treating patient symptoms by releasing pressure in the tissue.

Cranial osteopathy is based on the idea that manipulating the bones and tissues of your skull can help improve improve a variety of health issues like cancer, cerebral palsy, and asthma.

Cranial osteopathy is performed by a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Another form of treatment called craniosacral therapy can be performed by people who have had training in craniosacral therapy, but does not require an osteopathic medical license.

While cranial osteopathy is often practiced safely, there’s limited scientific evidence suggesting that cranial osteopathy or craniosacral therapy are effective treatment options for medical conditions. These techniques are not recommended for people who have certain disorders or anatomical variants.

In this article, we’re going to examine the theory behind cranial osteopathy. We’ll also take a look at what research has found about this form of physical treatment to see whether it’s worth trying.

Practitioners of cranial therapies follow a teaching that they have the potential to balance obstructions in your nervous and immune systems.

Cranial osteopathy is performed by osteopathic doctors or chiropractors.

Osteopathic doctors, often called DO, are physicians who train in osteopathic medical schools for four years, just like MDs, who train in allopathic medical schools for four years.

Chiropractors train in chiropractic school for four years after college and are also considered a type of doctor. DO physicians and chiropractors must take board exams in order to recieve their degree and obtain a license to practice.

If you have any intention of looking into osteopathic or chiropractic treatment, make sure that you go to a trained professional who is licensed to perform these procedures.

Cranial osteopathy training teaches thatthat through a series of physical manipulations, they can normalize the rhythm of your cerebrospinal fluid, which can allegedly cure a variety of disorders.

According to the practice, a trained therapist can unlock your cranial rhythm by gently moving the bones of your skull.

Cranial osteopathy is sometimes advocated as having the potential to cure diseases and conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, and seizures. However, there’s no evidence supporting any of these claims.

Recent evidence suggests that this type of therapy may help reduce certain symptoms for some people, such as pain.

Some small studies have noted patient satisfaction after cranial osteopathy, but the study methods are not consistent in the outcomes they measure.

A 2016 report requested by the French Physiotherapy Council recommended that French physiotherapists discontinue the use of cranial osteopathy. The report highlighted a lack of clear clinical evidence for the treatment.

A 2016 review of studies looked at the results of 14 previous studies examining the effectiveness of cranial osteopathy. The researchers found that two studies were at high risk of bias, nine had “major doubt” in regard to bias, and three had low risk of bias. They concluded that quality studies supporting the benefits of cranial osteopathy are nearly nonexistent.

One study published in 2013 looked at the effect of cranial osteopathy on pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women as compared to standard treatments. The researchers measured morning pain, evening pain, and days of sick leave.

The researchers found a significant decrease in morning pain. However, they added that the treatment effect was small and clinically questionable. As the 2016 review points out, even though pain improved statistically, it was due primarily to pain increasing in the control group.

According to results of a small 2020 study that included 30 records of patients who experienced concussion, those who received osteopathic manipulative medicine experienced significantly decreased concussion symptom number and severity compared with those who received concussion education.

Cranial osteopathy for babies

Practitioners argue that cranial osteopathy may help babies who have certain symptoms, such as head deformities, colic, or issues involving breastfeeding. However, there’s limited evidence supporting its medical effects.

A 2012 review examined the effects of cranial osteopathy among babies with infantile colic. The researchers noted that most studies found parents reported fewer crying hours after their children received cranial osteopathy.

However, they concluded that many of the studies were prone to bias and had small sample sizes.

If your baby is experiencing any medical issues, it’s important to take them to a pediatrician immediately.

Cranial osteopathy for adults

A few small studies suggest that cranial osteopathy might be effective as a complementary therapy for treating migraine, headaches, or tinnitus. And other types of osteopathic manipulation can benefit people with a variety of conditions.

Cranial osteopathy is performed by a doctor who specializes in osteopathic medicine. It’s generally considered safe when performed by a licensed professional.

Cranial therapies can be potentially dangerous if not performed properly, especially on babies with unfused bones.

It’s crucial that your baby is seen by a licensed pediatrician for well care and sick care. Do not make a diagnosis yourself or decide on any type of alternative treatment for your baby unless recommended by your child’s pediatrician.

Overall, there’s not enough evidence to support the use of cranial osteopathy for any medical condition. Some individuals report benefits from this type of therapy, and there’s some evidence from small studies that it could be beneficial for certain symptoms.

However, it’s important that you get a thorough medical evaluation and do not participate in any type of alternative therapy that is contraindicated for you.